The Use of Virtual Reality in Podiatric Medical Education

Jonathan Labovitz; Chandler Hubbard

doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2019.12.008

The Use of Virtual Reality in Podiatric Medical Education

Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2020 Apr;37(2):409-420. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2019.12.008. Epub 2020 Jan 30.

Authors

Jonathan Labovitz¹, Chandler Hubbard²

Affiliations

¹ Clinical Education and Graduate Placement, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine, 309 East 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA. Electronic address: jlabovitz@westernu.edu.
² Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; Chino Valley Medical Center, 5451 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710, USA.

PMID: 32146993
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpm.2019.12.008

Abstract

Virtual reality in medical education is a recent development that significantly improves surgical skills, which translates to improved outcomes in the operating room (OR). The development of the Western University of Health Sciences virtual OR provides podiatric medical students basic OR knowledge and skills through performing basic surgical procedures. This new method of presenting content in podiatric medical education enhances the learning experience in a less stressful environment. The virtual reality experience allows students to gain experience without undue risk to the patient. Thus students can improve competency while focusing on the experience instead of the potentially overwhelming OR setting.

Keywords: Digital learning; Educational technology; Graduate medical education; Podiatric medical education; Podiatry; Virtual operating room; Virtual reality.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Clinical Competence
Education, Medical*
Humans
Patient Simulation
Podiatry / education*
Virtual Reality*